Nicholas P Bradley

Profile

Culture is a term that everyone understands differently. Research suggests that culture is inextricably linked to language and, therefore, culture should be included in language teaching in someway. My research will look at how English language teachers in Japanese universities view culture and intergrate it in to their classes, and what culture is actually manifest in classes. Much has been written about what teachers should be doing with culture and how they should view it, but little is done on how teachers are actually looking at and using culture in language classroom.

Background

I come from Wakefield (next to Leeds), but I live in Japan with my wife and two children.

I currently teach at Aichi University in Japan. I have been there for 3 years. Prior to this I studied at university in the USA, worked in the USA, studied a history MA at Auckland University in New Zealand and a TESOL MA at Leeds University.

I have also worked for Volkswagen in the UK for a few years and as a high school teacher in Japan.

What motivated me to undertake PhD study?

I am pursuing a PhD for multiple reasons. One is to advance my career within HE in Japan. Another is to improve the quality of my classes for the benefit of my students and my own satisfaction. These reasons all contribute to the well being of my family, which is another key reason. Also, I like the challenge!

What makes me passionate about my subject?

Culture and identity are areas I find fascinating. This perhaps started from travelling and living overseas, but it is also something very personal. I consider my studies to be as much a means of understanding myself as understanding the field and making a contribution to it.

What are my plans once I have completed my PhD?

I hope to continue in my position as an assistant professor in Japan and, hopefully, progress further within my current university or another in Japan.